The group will visit Germany from Jan. 13 to 18 to tour academic institutions and industry headquarters, and provide a peek into the dual education system there.

"This trip is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about Germany's highly successful dual education model and consider which pieces we may want to implement or expand upon here in Pinellas County," Grego said in the statement. "A sound educational system is the fuel for economic development and for attracting high-salary industry to our county."

The Pinellas Education Foundation is funding the trip in its entirety for $4,000. "We live in a global market and anything we can do to better prepare our students for the workforce is going to benefit our community," said Tamra Eitel, associate director of the foundation.